“Dad was very fond of the shrubbery,” explained Jack. “We get high winds here even on the warmest days, and the shrubbery affords shelter. Dad used to sit there for hours reading.” Parr was slowly turning on his heel, taking in every detail of the view. Presently he nodded. “I think I have seen all there is to be seen,” he said. As they were walking back to the house he reverted to the midnight bill-poster, and to Jack’s surprise: “That was the only false move that the Crimson Circle have made, and I think it was very much an afterthought. That was not their original intention, I’ll swear.” He sat down on the steps of the terrace and stared out over the landscape. Jack could not but think that a more uninspiring figure than Mr. Parr he had never met. His lack of inches, his rotundity, his large placid face, did not somehow fit in with Jack’s conception of a shrewd criminal investigator. “I’ve got it,” said Parr at last. “My first idea was right. He was coming down to blackmail you for the money your father did not pay. On his way he conceived this new idea, which is hinted at in the postscript of his message. He has decided upon some big coup, so that the reference to myself and Yale may be genuine; and he really does want us out of the game, though he’d be a fool if he did not know that the likelihood of his wishes being fulfilled in that respect are pretty remote. Let me see the poster again.” Jack brought it and the inspector spread it upon the pavement of the terrace. “Yes, this has been written in a hurry; probably written in his car, and it is a substitute for the poster he originally intended.” He rubbed his chin impatiently. “Now, what is the new scheme?” He was to learn almost immediately, for the butler came hurrying out to say that the telephone bell had been ringing in Jack’s study for five minutes. “It is you they want,” said Jack, handing the receiver to the detective. Mr. Parr took the instrument in his hands, and recognised immediately Colonel Morton’s voice. “Come back to London at once, Parr; you are to attend a meeting of the Cabinet this afternoon.” Mr. Parr put down the receiver, and a smile spread over his big face. “What is it?” asked Jack. “I’m joining the Cabinet,” said Mr. Parr, and laughed as Jack had never seen him laugh before. Chapter XXXIV. Blackmailing a Government When they reached London the evening newspapers were filled with the new sensation. The Crimson Circle had indeed decided upon an ambitious programme. Briefly the story, as related in an official communique to the Press, was as follows: That morning every member of the Government had received a type-written document, bearing no address and no other indication of its origin save a Crimson Circle stamped on every page. The document ran: